The Tennessee Titans are reportedly parting ways with Mike Vrabel, prompting immediate speculation about the head coach returning to an old stomping ground.
Vrabel played most of his career with the New England Patriots, so the former linebacker could be a logical replacement to replace Bill Belichick if the legendary head coach isn’t returning for his 25th season.
After news of Vrabel’s firing broke, NESN’s Zack Cox highlighted comments Vrabel made about the Patriots when they inducted him into their Hall of Fame in October.
“I want you not to take this organization for granted,” Vrabel said. “I’ve been a lot of places. This is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, great coaching.
Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”
Mike Vrabel to Patriots fans in October: “I want you not to take this organization for granted. I’ve been a lot of places. This is a special place with great leadership, great fans, great direction, great coaching.
“Enjoy it. It’s not like this everywhere.”
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) January 9, 2024
Colud Vrabel enjoy Foxborough as New England’s next head coach?
Vrabel played 125 games for Belichick’s Patriots from 2001 to 2008. He won three Super Bowls before joining the coaching staff of his alma mater, Ohio State in 2011.
After four years with the Houston Texans, Vrabel spent six seasons as Tennessee’s head coach. The 2021 Coach of the Year took the Titans to three playoff berths, two division titles, and an AFC Championship Game appearance.
Parting ways with arguably the most decorated head coach in NFL history would be a tough pill to swallow. Replacing Belichick with a former Patriots great could smooth the transition.
Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported Monday that Vrabel is interested in returning to New England if the team parts ways with Belichick. There’s no word yet on what the future holds for the six-time Super Bowl champion, but it seems to make too much sense for Robert Kraft to pursue Vrabel if seeking a new head coach.